Croatia on a budget: Adventurous Things to do in Zadar

Zadar, Croatia is an adventurous city along the Adriatic coast in central Croatia. With islands, castles, beaches, and even waterfalls, Zadar has plenty to offer. The city has an extensive ferry system, allowing day travel to neighboring islands. Read more to learn about some adventurous things to do in Zadar!

I spent about 4 days in Zadar, seeking adventure through Zadar’s neighboring islands and mountains. Since I was on a budget, I sought the cheapest more of transportation, food, and accommodation. Zadar is a relatively inexpensive place to stay. However, like the rest of the country, it depends heavily on the season you travel to Croatia in.

Answer: Spring time

Croatia’s tourism varies heavily on seasonal travel. The summer season starts in early May and ends in late September. Every month outside of this range you will find accommodation almost half the price and maybe a quarter of the offerings than that of the summer season. This is both a benefit and a downfall, depending on what you are seeking.

For the purpose of budget traveling, the spring season is the best time to travel to Croatia. This is because of factors like room availability, cheaper bus prices, and also relatively warmer weather. It may not be your typical beach visit, but a springtime visit to Zadar is perfect for some adventure traveling.

When staying in Zadar, I highly recommend checking out Backpacker’s Home Hostel. This hostel is a cozy hangout spot. It is located within walking distance of tons of things to do in Zadar. It ranges from €20 during low season to almost €40 during the summer season. You will find 3-season kitchen with tons of couches, games, and hammocks. The owners also rent out their bikes for only €8 per day. Staying at the hostel is convenient, as there are nearby provisions like a grocery store, bakery, and pharmacy.

Zadar is a historical city with influence from both the Roman and the Byzantine Empire. In Zadar Old Town you can find traces of history, cute cafes, and unique forms of art. The Old Town is also enclosed by a protective wall that still stands today (with some modifications). Below is a list of things to do in Zadar Old Town.

The Forum was constructed around the 3rd century. The site is at the center of an old episcopal complex, comprising of numerous religious buildings. Formally known as Tavernae, the forum that stands today was once a space for merchants from all over to trade their goods. What is left today is a small center with some cool rocks and churches surrounded by shops and cafes.

The Church of St. Donatus was built by the Byzentines in the 9th century. As it was built in the early medieval ages, the structure displays some Romanesque aspects. The church is possibly the most recognizable landmark in Zadar due to its curvature and prominence in the city center.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a network of holes under the pier that are constructed to make a certain noise when the waves hit them. Go to the end of the pier and listen to the strange wallowing sound the waves make.

Cost: €2.5 ferry fee (varies)

Island hopping is probably the best thing to do in Zadar. The natural landscape that surrounds the city is unique, with cliffs shooting up off the coastline. Ugljan Island is a perfect day-trip adventure. The neighboring island has some cool features like a fortress, a cave, countless olive groves, and some hidden beaches.

At the summit of the hills in Ugljan Island sits the mysterious St. Michael castle. Historians say it was first built in the 4th century. The interior architecture suggests that either the Romans or Byzantines had control over the strategic landmark around the 5th and 6th centuries. Today’s structure reflects 13th century Venetian architecture, when the Fortress of St. Michael was established.

More recently, the former Church of St. Michael was destroyed in bombings throughout WWII and the Croatian War of Independence. During the years of war, the fort was used strategically as a radio communication tower. Today, the structure is a protected world heritage site.

There is a hidden cave that is along the west coast of the island. It does have a pin on Google, but it is still tricky to find. It is also likely that you will be without phone connection when trying to locate it. The cave is interesting, but do not expect anything crazy!

After exploring the St. Michael Fortress, go around to the north end of the building (front). You will notice a rock painted with red and yellow (like the Austrian flag). Follow the direction of this rock and you will soon see more just like it. The colored rocks take you on a beaten path down towards the coastline to the cave.

Ugljan Island is one of the closest islands from Zadar. The trip from the ferry terminal in the old town to Preko takes only about 20 minutes each way. The cost of a one-way ferry ticket is €2.5 in offseason, but nearly doubles during the summer months. You need to buy a ticket in-person at the office called Jadrolinija Zadar Old Town, located right next to a restaurant. Make sure you go to the right office, as there are a few companies that have offices. The boat will be labeled with the destination location, but it is also names “Dora” if it is unspecified. Check online for specific times of departures at Croatia Ferries.

The cliffs of Dugi Otok are a line of cliffs that have risen from the sea due to cracks in the earth’s surface. The cliffs rise immediately out of the water 85 meters above the surface. This natural spectacle is worth a day trip to this remote island near Zadar. Since Dugi Otok is a bit further than other islands, it is less traveled and busy.

The best way to discover the island is with a bike as buses are infrequent on the island. Bike rentals in town are affordable.

With a bike, I recommend riding to Telašćica Nemzeti Park, which hosts the cliffs. The ride to the cliffs is scenic, with rolling hills, endless vineyards, and scattered lakes throughout the landscape.

At the end of the ride, stop by the cute coastal town of Sali. Here you will find restaurants and cafes that surround the bay.

Ferries from Dugi Otok from Zadar run through a ferry company named G&V Line. This ferry line allows you to buy tickets online at their website. Make sure to change your destination to Zaglav, the neighboring town of Sali. Either town works, but Zaglav has more frequent departures. The round-trip costs €3.5 and an additional €3 if you choose to bring a bike on the boat.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Croatia. This stunning park is a chain of 16 emerald-colored lakes that flow into each other. Due to the unusual amount of limestone in the nearby rocks, the water cuts stunning waterfalls between the 16 lakes.

The park is unusually overpriced for Croatia. During the offseason (fall, spring, and winter months) entrance only costs €20. However, visitors in the summer pay almost €40 just for park entrance! Ticket prices include parking, entrance, and a boat ride across one of the lakes.

Getting to the park can be tricky due to overpriced tour buses departing from neighboring cities. I recommend rounding up some other hostlers and renting a cheap car. I found 3 other people interested in the lakes and split a car for a total cost of €70 euros. However, if you have some cash to splash, your local hotel or tour vendor will definitely have daily bus departures to the park.

One of the top things to do in Zadar is to check out the famous sunsets. Before I visited, I had heard it was a sight to see. For the best spot, I revisit the Sea Organs, as it provides a calming harmony and happens to be at the best spot to see it. The sun sets perfectly over the hills on Ugljan Island, highlighting the majestic surroundings of the city.

• Buses exist in Zadar but are infrequent and relatively inconvenient.
• The FlixBus station (inter-city travel center) is about a 40-minute walk from the Old Town. I tried finding buses to and from the station but came up short.
• Get food and groceries outside of the walls of Zadar’s Old town to save money.
• Pack sunscreen before arriving… only God knows why sunscreen is so expensive in Zadar.
• Do not buy ferry tickets online! Many of the companies require paper tickets.
• The best way to get around town is with a bike, but with few bike lanes, it can be dangerous. Also, bikes are banned within the walls of the Old Town.
• Travel to and from Zadar via FlixBus. Download their app to check timetables.

Zadar is a fantastic destination for a budget-friendly adventure. Croatia is home to some of the best backpacking destinations and this city is truly a hidden gem. With so many things to do in Zadar, you will never get bored. I recommend focusing on the hidden adventures in Zadar. The city is intriguing, but the surrounding islands and parks will leave you wanting more.

On my next post, I continue south to Dubrovnik, where I have a few days!